Fears that new laws would force schools to get licences to put on nativity plays have led to the government being defeated in the House of Lords four times.

Opposition peers voted by 169 votes to 107 to exclude schools from the provisions of the Licensing Bill, which is aimed at shaking up the UK's outdated drinking laws.

The defeat came despite warnings the exemption could leave university nightclubs free of licensing controls.

Ministers have accused the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats of propagating "myths" about the bill, especially about its effect on live music acts in pubs.

Schools' exemption

Ahead of Monday's debates, Tory spokeswoman Lady Buscombe told BBC News Online her party backed the bill in principle but believed ministers were squandering a key opportunity for change.

Lady Buscombe said the current wording would make schools apply for an entertainment licence if a nativity play, for example, was attended by more than just pupils' families - because of public safety concerns.